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Princess cruises charge extra for carbonated beverages just like everyone else, but you will find complimentary glasses of champagne waiting for you at the Captain's Reception and Art Auction. Even though Perrier sparkling water will be offered for a small charge with dinners, you can politely decline and enjoy perfectly fresh-tasting ice water for no fee at all. There are many temptations aboard cruise ships, including the not-so-free beverages in your mini-fridge.

Water

Fresh-tasting, chilled fountain water is free in all dining areas; your glass is refilled generously with water on every Princess cruise. However, you will be offered--and charged extra--if you want Perrier sparking water or bottled water.

Coffee, Cocoa & Tea

Coffee and hot tea are free of charge in all dining areas. There are additional cafes aboard most ships that charge extra for gourmet coffees and lattes. According to MSNBC, you can purchase a coffee card to get discounts on these specialty drinks if you wish, but they are not free. "If you're a caffeine lover, this card may be worth it," MSNBC states. The bars charge a fee for coffee and tea. Hot chocolate is also extra, unless you order it with room service.

Non-Carbonated Beverages

Unsweetened iced tea, lemonade, regular milk, skim milk and juices--such as orange juice or apple juice--are always free in the dining areas. Juice will be charged at the bars, however. Small fridges are available in your stateroom, should you wish to bring a few of your favorite drinks on board the cruise ship.

Alcoholic Beverages

For the most part, alcoholic beverages are not included with your Princess cruise. However, there are a few exceptions. There is a special beer package, where you buy five drinks and get one free, which includes Beck's, Coors Light, Dos Equis, Miller Genuine Draft and Miller Lite. Couples on their honeymoon receive one bottle of free champagne. The Captain's Reception and Repeat Cruiser Reception offer free bar drinks during those special events only. According to Princess, suite passengers also receive free glasses of champagne at embarkation. Once you have sailed your 16th cruise or 151st day with Princess, you will be welcomed in as a Captain's Circle Elite Member, which entitles you to a complimentary Grapevine wine tasting event.

Soda

Like most cruise ships, soft drinks are not covered aboard Princess. If you drink three or more sodas per day, you can buy an inexpensive unlimited drink plan. This plan does not include room service. There is also a soda package that entitles you to six drinks for the price of five; it includes Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Diet Sprite, orange-flavored soda, soda water, tonic water and ginger ale. Captain's Circle Elite members receive complimentary mini-bar setup in their stateroom, which includes a can of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and a bottle of water that can be refilled for free upon request.

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About the Author

Jennn Fusion has been working as a professional writer for more than eight years. Her work has appeared online at USAToday.com, Chron.com, Business.com, Donklephant.com, BlogTO.com, Crawdaddy.com, MobileLifeToday.com and VicePresidents.com. She also has a variety of copy published on small business blogs and websites. Jennn holds a Bachelor of Journalism and English.